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A manufacturing workforce development program disguised as a high school robotics competition, BotsIQ asks students to design and manufacture 15-pound robots that compete one-on-one in a mechanical fight for survival.

Along the way, students put science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills into practice. They also build competency in “soft” skills that employers identify as crucial in the 21st-century workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, project management, innovation and teamwork.

Sixty-six teams from 47 area schools qualified to send their custom-built ’bots into battle at Cal U. See the bracket

The students have worked for months to create innovative, battle-hardened robots for the gladiator-style competition. Judges look for aggression, control, damage and strategy — but teams also are judged on their engineering skills, documentation, interviews and sportsmanship.

The high-energy competition is free, and the public is welcome to enjoy all the hard-hitting action. Don’t miss BotsIQ in the Convocation Center, where the robots come out to play!

NFPA Fluid Power Challenge

While the robots clash in the arena, SWPA BotsIQ will host the 2014 National Fluid Power Association’s Fluid Power Challenge from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 25 in the Cal U Convocation Center’s south wing.

Teams from 25 middle schools will compete to build a hydraulic system that completes a specific task. Teams have just a few hours to build the system. Points are awarded to teams that follow the specifications and produce a functioning device within the allotted time.

Now in its fourth year, the NFPA Fluid Power Challenge is funded and staffed by Wojanis Hydraulic Supply Co., based in Coraopolis, Pa. Teams, families and spectators may use the South Wing entrance to the Convocation Center.

On the air

Crews from KDKA-TV will be on hand to film the BotsIQ finals at the Convocation Center. Watch for these upcoming broadcast specials on KDKA-TV:

Cal U students and community members are encouraged to volunteer at the Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Finals. Volunteers work in various capacities to keep the competition running smoothly. Sign up to volunteer

Visit Cal U

BotsIQ events and the NFPA Fluid Power Challenge are open to the public. Admission is free.

Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

Campus tours are available throughout the day, and Cal U staff and students will be on hand. Ask about Cal U’s two-year robotics program or four-year program in mechatronics engineering technology, the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania.